Match Day Thread Russia 2018

What!? There clearly was, whatever you think of the decision ultimately!

 

It has to be deliberate Brendy his hand may have moved towards the ball but he wasn't even looking at it.

 

The VAR referred it though. So for me, they are at fault more than the referee.

I've continuously said that the clear and obvious stance lies with the VAR. If it isn't clear and obvious, no further involvement from the onfield referee is required. The VAR clears the check, and we carry on. Only ask the referee to come over and review the footage if it is clear and obvious.

From the moment the referee comes over, he is potentially looking something for the very first time (ie if he missed the onfield incident). He is the referee in charge of the game. So when he sees something for the first time, he is duly making the decision that he would have made had he seen it. Now that might still be the wrong decision in people's view. But the VAR-related issue is that someone has felt the need to refer it in the first place.

 

I want Croatia even more now, there has to be another goal either way, it will be a travesty if that pen was the winning goal.

 

Which is largely why I think it is borderline, with me siding on no penalty. I personally don't think it was deliberate.

But it does hit his hand, and there does appear to be a movement towards the ball. So I don't think it's slam dunk, clear cut.

 

But the rule is deliberate movement I believe.

 

I think France have been poor and Croatia very good- yet two bad decisions have cost Croatia dear! No way a pen and a total dive for the free kick (and Pogba was offside and jumped for the ball - so should be given no matter who actually touched it...).

 

Looks like FIFAs new rule that any contact with the hand/arm in the box is a penalty now then?

 

France look to have a mental weakness. Croatia, if brave, can certainly take advantage of this.
Me, I'm just hoping they get a dodgy 50/50 to even it up. (and Griezman does not score again)

 

Lock those pricks up for 80 days Russia.

 

The var guys?history?

 

If France lose after subbing off Kante, Deschamps may as well just seek refuge in Russia.

 

Banish them to Siberia....

 

Pitch invaders! I'm not a fan of VAR, but that would be a tad harsh!

 

He deserved that goal purely for the pass to Mbappe.

 

How the hell have France won this? Other than a stupid referee

 

And that, is that. No coming back.

 

This game needs the worlds greatest player, a man who single handedly dragged Liverpool to the Champions League final, a man that murdered three lumberjacks while searching for his wife in a cabin, LOVREN, the great. Where the fook is he?

 

Okay, so we get to see Lovren cry.

 

If Kane wasn't already nervous, he should be now.

There's a risk - if France want to - that this could get very, very messy for Croatia now.